Community leaders joined together yesterday to celebrate Black History Month.

Police Community Officer for Hertfordshire Constabulary, Sandra Smith, organised the event at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Watford to recognise diversity not just within the Force, but across the county.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor was there lending support to what he said was a really important cause.

More than 50 guests gathered to enjoy music and refreshments, hearing from several speakers.

Ms Smith, a Watford Observer Community hero nominee and winner, said of the event: “Black History Month is a time where we can celebrate diversity not only in Hertfordshire Constabulary but in the wider community.

“There will be several events throughout October to celebrate and recognise all the great work that’s going on within the Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in Hertfordshire.

“Our vision for this event is to collaboratively work together to change perception and bring about change in our communities.”

During the event there was a recognition ceremony for various communities collaborating in the area, such as Asian Meet & Greet Social Club, Martha Kimuyu a community outreach worker for BAME victims of domestic abuse, community liaison officer Andrea Hayes and Thrive African and Caribbean Youth Project.

Stanborough Park College of Music and Stanborough Secondary School were also present. Enoch Kanagaraj, community chaplaincy service for Stanborough Park supported Sandra in creating the event.

Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Shaw said: “Black History Month celebrates the achievements of BAME people and there are many within the community of Watford who do wonderful work. I am proud to come from Watford”.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “It was wonderful to join this event that celebrated the work by many local organisations.

“Watford is a diverse town, and this is a good thing. Of course, it is really important to remember that there is a lot of diversity within different groups in our town and we must never stereotype people because of their race, religion or background.”